Description
Book Synopsis: The Code of Hammurabi is a well-preserved Babylonian law code of ancient Mesopotamia, dating back to about 1754 BC. It is one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world. The sixth Babylonian king, Hammurabi, enacted the code, and partial copies exist on a man-sized stone stele and various clay tablets. The Code consists of 282 laws, with scaled punishments, adjusting "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" (lex talionis) as graded depending on social status, of slave versus free man. Nearly one-half of the Code deals with matters of contract, establishing, for example, the wages to be paid to an ox driver or a surgeon. Other provisions set the terms of a transaction, establishing the liability of a builder for a house that collapses, for example, or property that is damaged while left in the care of another. A third of the code addresses issues concerning household and family relationships such as inheritance, divorce, paternity, and sexual behavior. Only one provision appears to impose obligations on an official; this provision establishes that a judge who reaches an incorrect decision is to be fined and removed from the bench permanently. A few provisions address issues related to military service. Hammurabi ruled for nearly 42 years, c. 1792 to 1750 BC according to the Middle chronology. In the preface to the law, he states, "Anu and Bel called by name me, Hammurabi, the exalted prince, who feared Marduk, the patron god of Babylon (The Human Record, Andrea & Overfield 2005), to bring about the rule in the land." On the stone slab there are 44 columns and 28 paragraphs that contained 282 laws. The laws follow along the rules of 'an eye for an eye'.
Details
Unlock the secrets of ancient wisdom with The Code of Hammurabi. Dating back to 1754 BC, this remarkable Babylonian law code is one of the oldest deciphered writings in the world. Immerse yourself in a world of justice and order as you explore the 282 laws etched into a man-sized stone stele and clay tablets. Discover how Hammurabi, the sixth Babylonian king, established a system of scaled punishments, embodying the concept of "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth."
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of ancient Mesopotamia as you delve into the nearly half of the Code that deals with matters of contract. Learn about the wages paid to ox drivers and surgeons, gaining valuable insights into the economic and social structures of the time. Explore provisions that establish liability for collapsed houses or damaged property, shedding light on the responsibilities individuals held towards one another.
Uncover the complexities of household and family relationships through the Code's provisions on inheritance, divorce, paternity, and sexual behavior. Gain a deeper understanding of the values and norms that guided ancient societies, and witness the far-reaching impact of these laws on the daily lives of individuals. Experience the power of justice as the Code imposes obligations on officials, holding them accountable for their decisions.
Journey into the realm of military service as you encounter the Code's provisions related to this crucial aspect of ancient civilizations. Step into the shoes of those who served and discover the legal framework that governed their actions and responsibilities. Gain insights into the remarkable reign of Hammurabi, who ruled with wisdom and divine guidance for over four decades.
Don't miss the chance to witness a testament to human history. Immerse yourself in The Code of Hammurabi and unlock the knowledge of an ancient civilization that laid the foundation for our modern legal systems. Explore the laws that shaped social order and discover the enduring principles of justice that have stood the test of time.
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